WBS student named among Poets & Quants' Best & Brightest Online MBAs

BP senior leader Christie Subirats has been named in the Poets & Quants Best & Brightest Online MBA Class of 2026 list.

The Global Online MBA student was selected alongside 51 other MBAs from top business schools around the world, with 29 women and 23 men making up this year’s list.

Based in Houston, Texas, Christie has built a distinguished career in the energy sector, holding leadership roles spanning offshore operations in the Gulf of Mexico, Alaska and enterprise-wide transformation initiatives.

She currently works as Business Improvement & Strategic Change Leader within BP's Strategic Business Improvement team, helping tackle major organisational challenges, strengthen operating models and delivering large-scale transformation programmes.

Christie said: “I'm incredibly honoured to be recognised in the Poets & Quants' Best & Brightest Online MBA Class of 2026.

“When I began this MBA journey, it was the culmination of a goal I'd carried for more than two decades, so this recognition feels particularly meaningful.

“To be included alongside such an impressive group of leaders from around the world is both humbling and inspiring. It's a reflection not only of my own efforts, but also of the support I've received from my family, colleagues at BP, and the exceptional community at Warwick Business School."

Choosing the right MBA

Christie chose Warwick Business School after conducting an international search for the right MBA programme, applying to business schools across the US, UK and Europe.

"Pursuing an MBA was 25 years in the making," she said. "I wanted a top-tier global business school, a financially responsible investment and a powerful international alumni network.

"Warwick Business School stood out immediately, especially when my admission letter included the Inspiring Females Scholarship. That scholarship signalled belief in my potential and sealed the deal for me."

She credits the programme with helping her transition from operational leadership to enterprise transformation, combining academic theory with practical application.

"Before the MBA, I relied heavily on intuition and experience. The Warwick Global Online MBA has provided the academic rigour, frameworks and strategic lenses to elevate my work," she said.

Among the highlights of the programme, Christie points to the diverse international community and opportunities to collaborate with fellow students from around the world.

"The people, without question, have been my favourite part of the MBA," she added. "Meeting classmates in person at Warwick Weeks felt less like meeting for the first time and more like reconnecting with colleagues I'd known for years."

Mo Moeini, Associate Professor in Information Systems and Course Director, congratulated Christie on the recognition.

"Being named among the Poets & Quants Best & Brightest Online MBA students is a tremendous achievement and a reflection of Christie's outstanding professional accomplishments, leadership qualities and commitment to lifelong learning," he said. 

"Christie embodies the global mindset, ambition and impact we seek to foster through the Global Online MBA. We are delighted to see her recognised on the international stage and look forward to following her continued success."

Christie, who balances her studies alongside a demanding career, extensive travel commitments and family life with five children, says her experience proves that a world-class MBA can be achieved through flexible online learning.

“I had nearly given up on the idea of pursuing an MBA until I discovered that world-class business schools were offering flexible, high-calibre online programmes,” she said. “That made the dream possible, and I have loved every minute of it.”

Discover Warwick Business School’s MBA scholarships.